• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.24-30
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• 2018

In Botswana, mopane worms are widely harvested for household consumption. They are also traded for income generation. Urban based entrepreneurs' source mopane worms from rural areas to sell. The price of sourcing mopane worms from the harvesters has increased quite incredibly in villages. However, there is dearth of academic studies on the commercialisation of mopane worms in Botswana. This paper uses primary data collected from multiple sources to investigate the factors influencing the prices of mopane worms. Data collection involved administration of questionnaires to purposively selected harvesters in four campsites in the Central District, focus group discussions at each campsite and key informant interviews. The results show that there is declining population of mopane worms. The decline is attributable to such factors as over-harvesting and climate change which are the main factors influencing the price of mopane worms. In addition to physical scarcity of mopane worms, institutional weaknesses exist in the study area. The Agricultural Resources Conservation Act is ineffective and the majority of the harvesters are unaware of its existences. It is recommended that the regulations on the harvesting of mopane worms be reviewed. In order to benefit harvesters, mopane worms should be processed to add diversified economic value to rural communities.

• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.190-205
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• 2015

In the knowledge-based economy the innovation through continuous research and development(R&D) is crucial for the economic development and competitiveness of the region or country. The role of university as an institution which creates and diffuses new knowledge and technology should be highly emphasized these days in that context. This study explores the university-industry collaboration. More specifically, technology transfer and knowledge exchange between a university and external industrial partners are examined and the influences of such activities are, then, evaluated in the aspects of innovation and competitive advantages of the industrial partners. The case study on the Chonnam National University indicates that the considerable amount of knowledge and technology developed within the university tended to transferred to local areas, namely Gwangju and Jeonnam region. It can be claimed that the university, at least Chonnam National University, has positive impacts on the regional economy through technology transfer and knowledge share.